Yes, I agree with Powell as well, a person's religion should not be an issue, just as race, etc. should not be issues when running for office or applying for any military branch. Every person in this country should have the same rights and opportunities regardless of color, religion, wealth or lack of, etc.

That story reminded me of the controversy over having the Wiccan symbol on soldier's graves. Soldiers who had claimed Wicca as their religion were not allowed to have the symbol on their headstone, as is done with other faiths, as you mentioned, for example, the Islamic crescent and star. The families of these soldiers were upset, obviously, and were pushing for the government to change it's stance on the issue.  I do believe that it was eventually changed and the symbol is now allowed, but I just can't believe that it had been such an issue. This person had gone to war and payed the ultimate price for his/her country, and they were denied a simple symbol on his/her headstone just because they are a minority religion that is misunderstood. I just do not understand.
A famous quote reads something like, "I may not agree with anything you say, but I will defend your right to say it." Of course that applies to both sides of any argument, but I think the underlying message is that we should all be more tolerant and open minded.